Gunma 3rd district (1947–1993)

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Gunma 3rd district (1947–1993)

Role / Field:

A historical Japanese electoral district representing a conservative stronghold in the Diet.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Gunma 3rd district was a constituency of the House of Representatives in the Diet of Japan (national legislature). Between 1947 and 1993 it elected four representatives by single non-transferable vote. As of 1993, it comprised the cities of Takasaki, Shibukawa, Fujioka, Tomioka, Annaka and the Gunma, Kitagunma, Tano, Kanra, Usui and Agatsuma districts.

Career & Major Achievements

The district was a traditional "conservative kingdom" (hoshu-ōkoku), a stronghold of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its predecessors. It was, most notably, represented by several faction leaders and later prime ministers: Yasuhiro Nakasone, Takeo Fukuda and later his son Yasuo – all three prime ministers – from the conservative anti-mainstream (Democratic Party, Progressive Party, Hatoyama faction) and Keizo Obuchi and previously his father Mitsuhei from the conservative mainstream (Democratic Liberal Party, Liberal Party, Yoshida faction).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

With only two exceptions Gunma's 3rd district was represented by three conservatives and one candidate from the Japan Socialist Party (JSP). Tsuruo Yamaguchi, in the 1980s JSP secretary-general, was elected eleven times between 1960 and 1993, never receiving the most votes and ranking second only once in 1990.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1947: 1947 Milestone — Between 1947 and 1993 it elected four representatives by single non-transferable vote.
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — Tsuruo Yamaguchi, in the 1980s JSP secretary-general, was elected eleven times between 1960 and 1993, never receiving the most votes and ranking second only once in 1990.
3. 1993: 1993 Milestone — As of 1993, it comprised the cities of Takasaki, Shibukawa, Fujioka, Tomioka, Annaka and the Gunma, Kitagunma, Tano, Kanra, Usui and Agatsuma districts.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Gunma 3rd district (1947–1993)

True or False: “The Gunma 3rd district was always represented by members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was a strong LDP stronghold, there were instances where candidates from the Japan Socialist Party (JSP) were elected.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Capone — Historical peer (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alan Guth — Historical peer (Born in 1947) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• A. N. Sherwin-White — Historical peer (Died in 1993) (1993): British academic and ancient historian, specializing in Roman law and society.
• Adam Ondra — Historical peer (Born in 1993) (1993): Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead, bouldering, and competition.
• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Sudanese military officer and leader who assumed control of Sudan in 2019.
• Adam Clayton — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".

Frequently Asked Questions about Gunma 3rd district (1947–1993)